Mercedes-Benz in Europe have just opened orders for the third generation CLA – and in doing so, are uniting the electric version (formerly the EQA) with the petrol and hybrid versions to come under the same GLA badge.
The GLA/EQA are Mercedes Benz’s smallest SUV, although at around 4,565 mm long it is by no means a small car and sits firmly within the Australian VFACTS ‘Medium SUV’ category.
The electric version is to be initially offered in Europe in three variants:
- GLA 200 electric with a 165 kW output and 58 kWh (useable) lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery;
- GLA 250+ electric, developing 200 kW with an 85 kWh (useable) nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery.
- GLA 350 4MATIC electric developing 260 kW, also with the 85 kWh (useable) nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery.
Another model, with a 71 kWh NMC battery, will follow in early 2027.
Specifications for the new GLA include an up to 657 km (WLTP) driving range for the longest range version and an 800V architecture, allowing for up to 320 kW DC charging. AC charging will be standard at 11 kW with an option for 22 kW.
The new GLA is, at least in Europe, rated for towing up to 2,000 kg for the 4matic version. (Hopefully this follows through to Australia as, until now, Mercedes-Benz Australia have not rated most of their electric cars for towing).
Interior luggage room behind the rear seats is now 410 L (70 L more than the previous model). This expands to 1,400 L with the rear seats folded. New for the electric version is a 107 L ‘froot’ (front boot).
In addition to the usual driving modes of Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual, the 4matic models feature an additional driving mode of ‘Terrain’ for unpaved roads. Terrain adjusts the characteristics of the drivetrain, steering and brakes to assist driving on dirt tracks and loose surfaces such as gravel or sand.
There is even an optional “Transparent Bonnet” function that provides a virtual view underneath the entire vehicle. Another new feature is that even after parking manually, the car can manoeuvre out of the space automatically.
Mercedes-Benz are also touting the new GLA’s eco credentials, stating the carbon footprint across the entire value chain has been reduced by around 40 per cent compared with the current GLA with a combustion engine.
As to be expected from a luxury vehicle by Mercedes, the list of options and features is almost endless, including an optional a ‘Sky Control’ option for the panoramic glass roof that adjusts seven segments of the roof individually between transparent and opaque.
European orders for the electric versions opened on July 31st, with German prices (excluding taxes) starting at €40,840 (Au$67,956) for the GLA 200 electric, €46,200 (Au$75,744) for the GLA 250+ electric and the GLA 350 4matic electric from €48,830 (Au$80,056).
Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia have confirmed that the new GLA will be available to purchase in Australia during 2027, with local pricing and specific timing to be announced closer to the local launch.
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